11-12-2012, 11:12 AM
Status of Solar Energy In Gujarat State
Abstract:
Government of Gujarat has decided to harness renewable sources of energy to maximum possible extent to solve the nation’s power shortage. The Government of Gujarat has declared comprehensive Solar Power Policy -2009 for development of Solar power projects in the state vide government resolution dated 6th January-2010. Under Solar Power Policy Government allocated 365 MW Solar PV power capacities to 24 companies and 351 MW Solar Thermal capacities to 10 companies on 1st August, 2009. GEDA (Gujarat Energy Development Agency), one of the premier organizations and a forerunner in India has been working in the field of renewable energy development and energy conservation. Total 20,000 Ha of waste land identified in four major potential areas. Signed MoU with Clinton Climate Initiative for setting up of various size of large scale solar power parks of total 3000 MW Capacities to make Solar Power in near future the most dominant power source among other sources of Renewable Energy. Asia’s biggest and first 500MW solar PV based power plant is on the verge of completion by December-2011 at Charanka near Patan distinct. 30 MW solar power project has been inaugurated in Gunthawada village in Kankrej taluka in Banaskantha district on 4th December, 2011, bordering the Rann of Kutch. As a part of Gandhinagar-Solar City Project 1MW Solar PV Power Plant has been commissioned in 2011 at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar. GEDA under the MNRE SPV demonstration programme 2008-09 has installed 302 nos. Solar Generator (450 Wp SPV system) for the milk collection centers in remote areas for powering the milk-tester, computer, printer, weighing machine, light & fan.
during 2010. A PPA for 35 MW solar PV projects in Gujarat signed under the state policy, of which 5 MW has already been successfully delivered at Bhadrada,Distt. Patan. 6000 square meter solar pond (largest in Asia), at Bhuj dairy in Kutchh for process heat and desalination. Total 16 companies are registered who have started manufacturing process in Gujarat. This article gives a review of the trend of development in the field of solar energy, in particular the advancements in recent years in Gujarat state.